The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-12
THE STATE TO BORE FOR GAS
A Well Will Be Drilled in the Grounds
of the New State-House at Once.
tanned There in Large Quantities-An Es-
innate Of the Supply of Indiana Wells.

The striking of gas in Howland's Bottom a
few days ago has revived interest in the subject
of prospecting close to Indianapolis. There are
great many persons who have not believed
that this immediate vicinity has been thoroughly
prospected, and are of the opinion that gas
may be found here in sufficient quantities for
general use if the right spot should be tried.
The popular theory is that the location of
gas beneath the surface is to be determined by
the course of ravines, swales. other continu-
Gus low lands. It is asserted by those who have
knowledge of the oil fields and gas fields in the
Eastern States that this is often the only indica-
ton that can be relied on and that there
several districts where the only gas found is
along lines of low land, the high lands adj
joining being entirely barren. The scientific
theory by which this is explained is that these
ravines water courses are the results of up
heavals-that is to say, the ground has been up
lifted until great crack assure is formediby
splitting the surface. and in this crack surface
water naturally finds course. In time the
depths of the fissure fill, and the ravine bed
OF the stream assumes the appearance 1T
would have had if entirely cut out by water.
1t is remembered that in early days a ravine
traversed the western part of the original plat
of the city. crossing North street just west of
Illinois and running slightly west of south. 1t
crossed the State-house grounds near the north
west corner. Portions of this low land are still
noticeable in vacant lots on Illinois street, be-
tween st. Clair and Walnut streets. and prob
ably at some other points. This has caused
some persons to believe that it would be adj
visable to prospect for gas along its course.
General L. A. Morris is among those who be-
Heve that indianapolis has not been thor
Oughly proSpected it should be, and has been
DESTROYS for some time of sinking a well on the
State-house grounds The other commissioners
have now consented to the trial. They say it
will cost $40 900 year to heat the Capitol by
coal, is now being DONE and that it is there
dred dollars on the chance of getting fuel for
nothing. Furthermore, if the experiment is to
be made at all, as it would probably be in the
future at any rate, 1t IS much better to make it
now, while the grounds are unfinished. than to
tear them up again after the sod and shrubbery
had been planted. The gentlemen who sunk
the well at Broad Ripple have been requested
to call on the commissioners and arrangements
will be made either with them or with
other competent contractors to commence work
at early day. The well will probably be To-
Gated in the northwest corner of the grounds,
the course of the old ravine possible.
Yesterday there many visitors to the
Fourteenth street end of the Broad Ripple pipe
line, where the gas kept burning during
the day. 1t came down from the wells under
a partial pressure, and shot forth flame ten
twelve feet high. This evening, at o'clock, if
very bad weather does not interfere, the
hibition test will take place, when the gas will
be given the highest pressure possible. Mayor
Denny and Judge Claypool to make the
speeches the occasion seems to demand.